Lawmakers Order Biden To Stand Up And Defend Americans
As President Joe Biden nears the end of his term, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are urging him to take decisive action to secure the release of Americans wrongfully imprisoned in China. This call comes from Republicans Chris Smith and Jeff Merkley, who co-chair the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. They recently penned a letter to the President, advocating for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss this pressing issue.
The letter referenced troubling data from the Foley Foundation, which noted a 42% drop in the number of Americans unjustly held abroad over the past year, primarily due to successful negotiations with nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Despite this progress, the situation for Americans in China remains grave. The lawmakers pointed out that numerous U.S. citizens are serving lengthy sentences under questionable charges, often lacking due process.
“American detainees in China face inhumane conditions, with many experiencing serious health issues stemming from inadequate nutrition and medical care,” they stressed. Alarmingly, the average prison sentence for Americans in China hovers around 12 years, a reality they believe must be addressed.
In their communication, Smith and Merkley highlighted specific cases, including those of Kai Li and Mark Swidan, both of whom the U.S. government has officially classified as “wrongfully detained.” They called for intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt, who are enduring life-threatening health challenges due to their unjust imprisonment.
The recent liberation of David Lin, a Christian pastor from California who spent nearly two decades in captivity, underscores the potential for advocacy to effect change. As these lawmakers push for progress, they emphasize the necessity of steadfast support for American citizens who deserve strong advocacy, echoing the successful efforts that led to Lin’s release. It is crucial that our leaders act swiftly to bring these individuals home where they belong.
